Panthers’ Matt Rhule names P.J. Walker starting QB vs. Arizona Cardinals
Despite the team signing Cam Newton, Panthers head coach Matt Rhule has named P.J. Walker the starting quarterback against the Cardinals.
P.J. Walker #6 of the Carolina Panthers throws the ball during the second half in the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 24, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
When the Carolina Panthers visit the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday for a Week 10 showdown in Glendale, they’ll be doing so with a new starting quarterback.
Carolina head coach Matt Rhule told reporters Thursday that quarterback P.J. Walker will get the start.
The move comes after Panthers starting quarterback Sam Darnold was diagnosed with a fractured scapula. He is expected to miss a handful of weeks with the shoulder injury.
On Thursday, however, the team added a familiar face in former quarterback Cam Newton. The Panthers signed their former No. 1 overall pick to a one-year deal, adding him to a quarterback room occupied by Walker and veteran Matt Barkley.
As for Walker, the start Sunday against the Cardinals will mark the second of his NFL career. In 2020, Walker started the Panthers’ Week 11 game against the Detroit Lions, where he completed 24 of his 34 passes for 258 yards. He tossed one touchdown and had two interceptions in the 20-0 win.
In 2021, Walker has seen action in only two games. In Week 7 against the New York Giants, he completed three of his 14 pass attempts for 33 yards and attempted one pass in Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Entering the league as an undrafted free agent from Temple in 2017, Walker got his start with the Indianapolis Colts. However, Walker spent time out of the league and was one of the stars of the XFL in 2020 before Carolina signed him.
In five games with the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks, Walker threw for 1,338 yards to go along 15 passing touchdowns and four interceptions, leading his team to a perfect 5-0 record.
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